Yet Another Adventurer's Club Rumor

[PSUGuy]

Just got back from a 6 day WDW F&W trip, had a ball. I think it was on Fri. that wifey and I were in the Rose&Crown for our daily pint and we struck up a conversation with a pleasant fellow who turned out to be a CM. His name is Allen and he works in merchandise marketing, loves his job. At one point he mentioned the new look of DTD and I volunteered that we don't get there much since the closing of the Adventurer's Club. He expressed his regrets at the closing then he brought up the matter that management is looking at working the AC in at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and that it would be a natural thematic fit. I know this has been raised in the past here, but I mention it because Allen volunteered this info without any prompting from me, I just mentioned my regrets at the closing. My wife asked if the original cast members from the AC would be brought back and Allen said that those who wished to return would be welcomed back. If this info is true, it would indicate that planning for this is past the speculative stage.

Take this for what it's worth, Allen seemed to be a straight shooter, possessed a wealth of Disney info that would be known to CMs but few others and this AC info was only a small part of a 15 min or so conversation.

Bill From PA

[Eljay]

We can only hope, right?

I'm just back from a stay at the AKL and I'm trying to picture how they would work it. I wonder if they are considering the new Kidani Village or the original Jambo House for the location.

It certainly would liven things up there! :)

[ajcolorado]

That would be great, if it is true. I had heard that they'd just had their last private event and that the whole place was being packed up and shipped to the Disneyland in Japan.

[DISNEYDAD101]

Sounds like a great idea! I loved AC!

Kangaloosh! :drinking1

[SydneyFalco]

The way Adventure Club fans go on, I really hope this comes back. I never saw it and I can imagine (probably wrongly) how it must've been. It's the sort of thing, unlike roller coasters and many other things, that I wouldn't imagine another park concern other than Disney doing to my satisfaction.

From various descriptions and its Wiki page, I'd prefer it get tucked into a park rather than onto a resort, and a rather remote one at that.

In your opinion, could it not fit in the World Showcase (which could use another crowd-siphon), or DHS (because of its cinema archetypes, and whose western quadrant could also use a new, big diversion)? If the thing was that popular, I don't see why it was never simply moved.

[TheMaxRebo]

That would be great if this was true - and I think an additional draw over to that area of the grounds would be a good thing. Also, I hear of a lot of people who like staying there on adults only trips, so that would make sense.

Ever since we stopped in there as part of a college spring break and the cast spent an hour making fun of our mascot (The Engineers), the AC will always hold a special place in my heart :goodvibes

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi PSUGuy,
That is very interesting information and thanks for sharing. I think that would be wonderful if it does happens. I also think AK Lodge would be a great fit for it. Glad to hear you had a good time at F&W. I was there Sunday and can't wait to go back! Thanks again for sharing. :thumbsup2
________
Body science (http://bodyscience.ws/)

[Missus Toad]

Thanks for the info! I've been hoping the club would find a home at AK, but if AKL is the only option, so be it!

[Eljay]

In your opinion, could it not fit in the World Showcase (which could use another crowd-siphon), or DHS (because of its cinema archetypes, and whose western quadrant could also use a new, big diversion)? If the thing was that popular, I don't see why it was never simply moved.

I agree with your points, but I'm wondering if the closing times of the parks would be a drawback for the AC. I would think it would be more of a late evening kind of thing.

Maybe we are overestimating it's popularity.
Money talks, loudly. If the AC was a big moneymaker, would they have closed it in the first place? Just a thought... :confused3

[knieriem]

What is Adventure Club?

[Micca]

We can always hope Bill. Thanks for passing along the info:earsboy:

[jworkkul]

Let me say that as a "regular" to the AC when it was at PI, I really don't see it being too successful at AK if the original script is the same. This was a nightclub type scene and sometimes the content got a little "out of control":rolleyes1 so to say. I think that the AC is geared toward the older type of crowd. It was a comedy show and I really don't see where it would fit in with a theme park atmostphere. It closed down due to PI not being anymore. On that last day if you were at PI, the line was so long to enter the building that it was virtually impossible to get inside:sad2: and no other club that night had the line that AC did (well, maybe the Comedy Club). I wish it would be back. My daughter practically grew up knowing the cast of that club and she even had her bachlorette party there and it was the best time of all.

[Eljay]

What is Adventure Club?

Here's a little info from YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JABUaC-OVXE&NR=1&feature=fvwp
This report is from over a year ago, so, some of the things mentioned have come to pass, such as the balloon, T-Rex and the South American restaurant.

[mitadoh]

I too hope that it comes back. Even though I have never stayed at AKL but I would just so I can have a few drinks at AC and not have to worry about anything.

[PSUGuy]

Money talks, loudly. If the AC was a big moneymaker, would they have closed it in the first place? Just a thought... :confused3

I doubt it was ever designed to support itself based on drink sales, there were what, 8 stools at the bar? Very interesting stools, but not many. The club was what in business terms is called a 'loss leader', something that doesn't generate a profit by itself, but brings in the crowds who spend on other, profitable items. This is the case with us. We regularly went in early March for from 8 to 11 days staying at the BoardWalk or Swan/Dolphin and our extended family of 3 adult couples and 3 grandchildren usually tagged along. We missed the AC this March so we've switched to 6 days at Food&Wine, the family can't join us due to school and our kids have talked us into joining us on their Mexico vacation next March. So by killing the AC we're going for fewer days and 6 adults and 3 kids won't be going at all, every year. I suspect ours is not the only case like this.

Bill From PA

[TheMaxRebo]

I doubt it was ever designed to support itself based on drink sales, there were what, 8 stools at the bar? Very interesting stools, but not many. The club was what in business terms is called a 'loss leader', something that doesn't generate a profit by itself, but brings in the crowds who spend on other, profitable items. This is the case with us. We regularly went in early March for from 8 to 11 days staying at the BoardWalk or Swan/Dolphin and our extended family of 3 adult couples and 3 grandchildren usually tagged along. We missed the AC this March so we've switched to 6 days at Food&Wine, the family can't join us due to school and our kids have talked us into joining us on their Mexico vacation next March. So by killing the AC we're going for fewer days and 6 adults and 3 kids won't be going at all, every year. I suspect ours is not the only case like this.

Bill From PA

Now that you mention the Boardwalk - could that be a good fit for the AC? They have some other "club like" places and has some late-night activities (or at least later than most of the parks)

[PSUGuy]

Now that you mention the Boardwalk - could that be a good fit for the AC? They have some other "club like" places and has some late-night activities (or at least later than most of the parks)

Right after Allen mentioned the AK deal I said they ought to gut the Atlantic Dance and put the AC there. He replied that it wouldn't fit the BW theme. That's a lame reason since I don't think there were any sports bars with televisions over the urinals in 1920's Atlantic City.

Bill From PA

[BillSears]

If they ever open up the AC at AKL I know where I'll be staying from now on! I've never stayed at the AKL but I do visit there every trrip for at least one meal. The restaurants are fantastic and if they add the Adventurers Club to it I can't imagine a better place to stay.

[TheMaxRebo]

Right after Allen mentioned the AK deal I said they ought to gut the Atlantic Dance and put the AC there. He replied that it wouldn't fit the BW theme. That's a lame reason since I don't think there were any sports bars with televisions over the urinals in 1920's Atlantic City.

Bill From PA

well, clearly, you stayed at the wrong hotel in AC during the 1920s ....

... course it was a hand-cranked TV and it was a little awkward trying to use the urinal while some guy was next to you cranking your ..... TV. But still, they had them :thumbsup2

[Scurvy]

As much as I would love for this to be true, I'm certainly not going to hold my breath. I would love for the Club to reopen anywhere in Orlando, but at this point I don't think it's very likely. As of late last week, at least, none of the (former) cast had heard anything about a possible reopening and they were fairly convinced that the Club is gone for good. :sad1:

knieriem, I have a brief description of the Adventurers Club and the characters and shows on my site at www.savetheclub.blogspot.com if you want to find out more about it.

[pumpkinfish]

I'm not big on rumors for obvious reasons but I really hope this one turns out to be true. Owning at Kidani would REALLY turn out to be the best move ;).





Is it silly I get so sentimental anytime the AC is brought up?

[Maistre Gracey]

I don't think it will work. I think the comedy is too adult orientated to be at a resort. If they cleaned it up too much, it would lose it's comedic edge IMO.

MG

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Rumors and News board. :)

[ChrisFL]

That would be great, if it is true. I had heard that they'd just had their last private event and that the whole place was being packed up and shipped to the Disneyland in Japan.

Hong Kong actually

[patsal]

I guess I don't see why the "right fit" at BW is all that important--just feeling the same way about it as others have mentioned with ESPN. My thought would be to move ESPN to where the Virgin Record Store was and then move the AC into the ESPN's space.
I do miss the AC, find vacations without it are lacking. We have changed our vacationing style and dropped days--for the first time in more than 10 years I have no WDW vacation on the horizon and I'm not that worried about getting one planned either. WDW used to be more than an amusment park, I guess I am not feeling it so much anymore.

[doconeill]

I think ESPN Club is a better fit at BW than AC...AC at AKL does make sense. I have no idea where it would go, though...Boma and Jiko I think are too popular to remove. But I think it is a great fit, giving the AKL a "destination" status even for non-resort guests.

I'd caution that this rumor may be a corruption of the "AC at AK" rumor of old, where the AC was to be a gateway into Nightly Kingdom/Jungle Trek, which also has vaporized. We've heard so many different things now, and timelines come and gone, that pretty much anything short of an actual press release from Disney has a very low confidence factor - and even a press release would be pretty low until I could actually TOUCH the location.

As for AC's moneymaking potential, there was a report that AC did make a very modest profit towards the end...I don't know if that was pre- or post-closing announcement, or how close towards closing it was, as there was probably a boost from the announcement in attendance. It was not necessarily a profit that would warrant it staying open (obviously).

[ChrisFL]

I think ESPN Club is a better fit at BW than AC...AC at AKL does make sense. I have no idea where it would go, though...Boma and Jiko I think are too popular to remove. But I think it is a great fit, giving the AKL a "destination" status even for non-resort guests.

I'd caution that this rumor may be a corruption of the "AC at AK" rumor of old, where the AC was to be a gateway into Nightly Kingdom/Jungle Trek, which also has vaporized. We've heard so many different things now, and timelines come and gone, that pretty much anything short of an actual press release from Disney has a very low confidence factor - and even a press release would be pretty low until I could actually TOUCH the location.

As for AC's moneymaking potential, there was a report that AC did make a very modest profit towards the end...I don't know if that was pre- or post-closing announcement, or how close towards closing it was, as there was probably a boost from the announcement in attendance. It was not necessarily a profit that would warrant it staying open (obviously).

The problem with AC, as with MANY WDW things is that it is difficult to make them stand out, or allow the average guests to really understand it, since there are SO MANY other things to do on property.

I know for a long time that the increase in things to do between the Disney and Universal has seriously affected the smaller attractions...so I wonder if WDW is getting so big that it's now been "eating" its own

[Jason71]

First, a lot of the stuff is gone, so I take this latest rumor with a grain of salt.

That said, it sounds like a rumor last year (the basics of which were confirmed here or another board, possibly by Another Voice?), that WDW was looking to create four "mini PIs," each centered on one of the four main parks. I had heard that a relocated AC was apparently to be part of the AK "mini PI." If and how this tied into Jim Hill's rumors about the AC being a gateway to the new Night Kingdom I am not sure, but I always suspected it was more than coincidental.

Maybe WDW got tired of CityWalk taking all their nighttime revenue and decided to dust these plans off. Or maybe your CM source heard this months ago and still thinks it's coming. Here's hoping it's the former.

[Scurvy]

First, a lot of the stuff is gone, so I take this latest rumor with a grain of salt.



Oddly, I heard last week that everything that is visible without giong into the side rooms is still there - but I don't know how true that is. I know the person who told me seemed to be a reliable source, though.

[doconeill]

The problem with AC, as with MANY WDW things is that it is difficult to make them stand out, or allow the average guests to really understand it, since there are SO MANY other things to do on property.

Actually, I DO think visibility WAS a problem where it was. AC was completely unique, and didn't necessarily fit into the "generic" definition of a bar-laden night spot. It wasn't terribly obvious what it is at first. We even discovered it mostly by accident.

But by having this as a featured part of a resort it would be well themed with, where it can get more visibility and publicity, it would be good for both the AC and the resort....

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If AC were to go into AK it would likely have to be as a restaurant with perhaps some AC comedy every so often. In its current format it's a nighttime comedy bar and AK closes way too early to support that.

People I know who have looked inside say the large items have been removed off the walls but that there are numerous smaller items still up there.

BobK/Orlando

[doconeill]

I think there is a bit of confusion - the OP is saying that it is going to the Animal Kingdom LODGE, not the park...but as I said it could be a corruption of the Jim Hill rumor as well.

[ChrisFL]

Actually, I DO think visibility WAS a problem where it was. AC was completely unique, and didn't necessarily fit into the "generic" definition of a bar-laden night spot. It wasn't terribly obvious what it is at first. We even discovered it mostly by accident.

But by having this as a featured part of a resort it would be well themed with, where it can get more visibility and publicity, it would be good for both the AC and the resort....

I agree...it needed its own separate show area where it can be recognized for its uniqueness.

I'm curious as to how the Hong Kong version will turn out, or if it will even really resemble the one here.

[ajcolorado]

Money talks, loudly. If the AC was a big moneymaker, would they have closed it in the first place? Just a thought... :confused3

Admission was covered by the Pleasure Island admission so it didn't really have to pay the rent with beverages sales, etc.

I've spent more than a few wasted minutes trying to figure out how to make something like that financial viable without the benefit of a cover charge - although I'd cheerfully pay $15 to get in.

[doconeill]

Admission was covered by the Pleasure Island admission so it didn't really have to pay the rent with beverages sales, etc.

I've spent more than a few wasted minutes trying to figure out how to make something like that financial viable without the benefit of a cover charge - although I'd cheerfully pay $15 to get in.

Disney discontinued the PI admission charge several years ago - each club instead charged admission (or you could get a multi-club pass) - essentially a cover charge, which helped attribute revenue directly to the clubs. The single club price was $10.

[Scurvy]

Disney discontinued the PI admission charge several years ago - each club instead charged admission (or you could get a multi-club pass) - essentially a cover charge, which helped attribute revenue directly to the clubs. The single club price was $10.


I only paid admission at the very end, because once the closure was announced I decided not to renew my premium annual pass. But when I did have to start paying admission, I think the single club admission wasn't an option for the Adventurers Club. I'm pretty sure I remember having to buy the multi-club pass (which cost more than the single club ticket, though I can't remember how much) even though I only intended to go to the AC. I'm not sure if that was always the case, but I believe that was the case for the last few months it was open. I'm not sure how that worked as far as revenue for the AC - I don't know if it got credit for the entire cost of those passes or not. It should have, though!

[doconeill]

I only paid admission at the very end, because once the closure was announced I decided not to renew my premium annual pass. But when I did have to start paying admission, I think the single club admission wasn't an option for the Adventurers Club. I'm pretty sure I remember having to buy the multi-club pass (which cost more than the single club ticket, though I can't remember how much) even though I only intended to go to the AC. I'm not sure if that was always the case, but I believe that was the case for the last few months it was open. I'm not sure how that worked as far as revenue for the AC - I don't know if it got credit for the entire cost of those passes or not. It should have, though!

Oops...yes, you are correct...AC and CW required the multi-club pass, which I believe was $22 at the end. I forgot that because the last time we were able to go we had PAPs.

Since you had to buy the ticket at the club (or if you had it already, they scanned it), I'm sure the amounts were credited at some level.

[skier_pete]

I also didn't mind the cover ($22 last year sounds about right) just for the AC.

Sorry - but I would gladly pay $50 for a night (say 4-5 hours) at the Adventurer's Club, assuming I got some light refreshments with my meal. I think that AC could be turned into a "dinner theatre" type show and be extremely profitable for Disney. While AC was not for everyone, those that loved it - LOVED IT...the biggest problem with any different location would be the likelyhood that it would need to be more "family friendly".

Part of me would love AC to come back in some form, but another part of me feels that if it DID, the form would be different enough that it wouldn't be as good. I suppose as long as it stayed somewhat improvisational and interactive, I guess I would take it.

Like PP said, everytime I think about them closing this unique gem, I get upset!

[PSUGuy]

My expectation is that if the AC returns anywhere, it will be in the exact format as before. The rabid AC fans, me included, had a 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' mentality in which we reveled in knowing every line in every routine, the clever adlibs were a bonus. It would make no sense for Disney to respond to popular demand for the AC only to dish up something different than what is being demanded. I had my hope revived by my talk with Allen.

Bill From PA

[skier_pete]

My expectation is that if the AC returns anywhere, it will be in the exact format as before. The rabid AC fans, me included, had a 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' mentality in which we reveled in knowing every line in every routine, the clever adlibs were a bonus. It would make no sense for Disney to respond to popular demand for the AC only to dish up something different than what is being demanded. I had my hope revived by my talk with Allen.

Bill From PA

God, Bill, Disney would get about a 10-year pass on any other changes they make on-site from me if this happens. You can feel optimistic, but I cannot. Has Disney EVER righted a wrong in this way? (i.e. removed something of significance, and then brought it back?) Bringing it back exactly as it was would be admitting to a major mistake...that won't happen. The best we could hope for is a return in some form...and it won't be the same. Do you think they would put an "adult's only" club at one of the resorts? Doesn't seem practical to me. (I have been in a very pessimistic mood lately...so maybe I should be more open.)

[ChrisFL]

Has Disney EVER righted a wrong in this way? (i.e. removed something of significance, and then brought it back?) Bringing it back exactly as it was would be admitting to a major mistake...that won't happen.

They brought back the DL Submarines, as a Nemo ride.

[skier_pete]

They brought back the DL Submarines, as a Nemo ride.

Right, but that was the point I was arguing - it might come back, but it won't be exactly the same...but could still be better than what we have now, which is nothing.

[zulemara]

hhmm interesting thread. I take this rumor with a grain of salt because I've spent a good amount of time following rumors about the entire island since it closed and at this point, there seems to be no validity left to anything.

Disney closed PI because they obviously wanted OUT of the night life business. There are SEVERAL things they could have done to keep the entire complex operating. Promotion would have been a nice step in the right direction. It seems they really don't care that their guests are back in bed while HHN and the citywalk crowd exit US in mass numbers at 2am.

Now to the poster who said she's never been to PI...that's fine. First off, I agree with others that it was more than just a drinking and dancing place. While AC has been featured in this thread, I was a HUGE fan of CW. I love comedy and feel it's one of the greatest stress relievers you can have. They took away 2 excellent comedy venues for what? NOTHING because the whole flippin island is EMPTY. CW and AC were both unique venues that provided fun both with and without alcohol.

The reality is that there IS a segment of WDW visitors who want to do something at night and yes, it involves alcohol and dancing. PI provided a safe, clean, smoke free environment in the way that only Disney could, with extensive themes and excellent entertainment. Mannequins once won best club in the southeast(btw, the line might not have been as long as AC, but it also holds 1400 people) and you still can't find anywhere in Orlando to hear 70s and 80s on a nightly basis(only thursdays at the groove) For some people, the experience at PI was about a change in personality, confidence building, and most importantly, friendship building. The people who worked and visited PI were a family.

I was not a frequent visitor of AC, in fact I only went in a couple times because my bf at the time loved it. However, I give my support to the AC people and their cause in the hopes that if support is needed for those who mourn the loss of mannequins/8-trax/CW, it will be provided by the AC people.

Kongaloosh
"void where prohibited, except in Nabraska"
"MMAANNEEQQQUUIINNSSSS haha of course"
"I will survive"

[Chernabog#1fan]

God, Bill, Disney would get about a 10-year pass on any other changes they make on-site from me if this happens. You can feel optimistic, but I cannot. Has Disney EVER righted a wrong in this way? (i.e. removed something of significance, and then brought it back?) Bringing it back exactly as it was would be admitting to a major mistake...that won't happen. The best we could hope for is a return in some form...and it won't be the same. Do you think they would put an "adult's only" club at one of the resorts? Doesn't seem practical to me. (I have been in a very pessimistic mood lately...so maybe I should be more open.)
AC was not an adults only club and several children really enjoyed that club. Even if they did not always understand the humor, they enjoyed the show aspect of it. I think it would make a great addition to a resort.

[doconeill]

AC was not an adults only club and several children really enjoyed that club. Even if they did not always understand the humor, they enjoyed the show aspect of it. I think it would make a great addition to a resort.

Agreed...I didn't think it got above a PG-13 level really (although its been quite a while since I made it to the later library shows), and even if they made it PG I don't think it would really lose anything anyways.

[skier_pete]

AC was not an adults only club and several children really enjoyed that club. Even if they did not always understand the humor, they enjoyed the show aspect of it. I think it would make a great addition to a resort.

Well, it USED to be adults only...they started allowing kids into AC (and Pleasure Island in general) was the beginning of the downfall...however I will say that the early kids stuff was entertaining...but the later shows tended to get a little more off-color when the night wore on. I agree PG-13, but I don't necessarily want my 6 year old listening to PG-13 humor, even if most of it went over her heads...but I enjoyed the more adult aspect of the humor, and word worry an all-ages show would need to be diluted further.

And Zulemara - You are right that CW was a great venue, very entertaining! And I totally love improv. However, Improv Comedy is quite widely available throughout the country...we have a ComedySportz troop here in Buffalo that is freakin' hilarious...and Second City is 90 minutes away in Toronto, so while CW might be great, it wouldn't get me to travel 1500 miles...only AC would do that. I think that's the reason that AC gets so much more support here, there is nowhere else you can go to even come close to that experience.

(Here I am getting sad again...):sad2:

[ImprovGal]

Well, it USED to be adults only...they started allowing kids into AC (and Pleasure Island in general) was the beginning of the downfall...however I will say that the early kids stuff was entertaining...but the later shows tended to get a little more off-color when the night wore on. I agree PG-13, but I don't necessarily want my 6 year old listening to PG-13 humor, even if most of it went over her heads...but I enjoyed the more adult aspect of the humor, and word worry an all-ages show would need to be diluted further.


Pleasure Island did not used to be entirely "Adults Only". When it first opened, Videopolis
East was an under 21 club. Both Comedy Warehouse and Adventurers Club have always admitted 18+, but also allowed those under 18 if accompanied by parent.

[ajcolorado]

This is from the Wikipedia article on Adventure's Club:

"On September 26, 2009 it was confirmed that props from the Club would be sent to Hong Kong Disneyland. The Club, in a new form, will be part of the Mystic Point expansion that was announced at the D23 Expo. Specific details have not been announced and there is currently no information on what will replace the Club at Pleasure Island." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventurers_Club

I also so this on the facebook "Return our Adventurere's Club" posting from Sept. 29th: Just returned from the event hosted by wdwradio at the AC last night. It was confirmed by the suits in... the joint that the AC will NOT be returning in any shape form or fashion.All of the major artifacts will be going to Hong Kong- To settle any rumors of some artifacts already having shipped, it isn't true. Other than the booze and kungaloosh machine, everything is still there. I asked about the replacement Colonel and was told that "EVERYTHING" is still on site and will be shipped as a lot to HK.It was really sad- all of the CMs were teary-eyed throughout the evening.

You might want to listen to this podcast: http://www.wdwradio.com/WDW-Radio-Show-Disney-Podcast/Show-139-October-4-2009.html This talks about one of the last private events to be held at the Adventurers Club. Lou Mongello said that cast members there "hinted that Hong Kong might be the place to see the Adventurers Club again."

[skier_pete]

Well, however it appears in Hong Kong - I will never see it.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Well, however it appears in Hong Kong - I will never see it.

Skier Pete, save all those frequent flyer miles you're getting from your trips to Disney World and cash them in for a ticket to HKG. Might take a few years but Mystic Point isn't opening anytime soon either.

Frankly, I don't understand how an Adventurers Club if done in a similar format as Orlando would go over in Hong Kong. Yes it is a former British colony and most people speak English but the native tongue is Cantonese. The whole "adventuring" concept is a British thing that easily adapted to American culture but Chinese culture is a completely different animal. If shows were still presented in English, I think the nuances and play on words would get lost on the audience. If presented in Cantonese, well, its going to be impossible to understand for nearly all tourists. So AC really makes no sense to exist anywhere but here. That said, and regardless of the official announcement that everything is going to be shipped to Hong Kong, I'm skeptical that it really is. I'm aware of certain things that would hint at it staying right here in Orlando. (But I don't really know.)

BobK/Orlando

[Scurvy]

Frankly, I don't understand how an Adventurers Club if done in a similar format as Orlando would go over in Hong Kong. Yes it is a former British colony and most people speak English but the native tongue is Cantonese. The whole "adventuring" concept is a British thing that easily adapted to American culture but Chinese culture is a completely different animal. If shows were still presented in English, I think the nuances and play on words would get lost on the audience. If presented in Cantonese, well, its going to be impossible to understand for nearly all tourists. So AC really makes no sense to exist anywhere but here. That said, and regardless of the official announcement that everything is going to be shipped to Hong Kong, I'm skeptical that it really is. I'm aware of certain things that would hint at it staying right here in Orlando. (But I don't really know.)

BobK/Orlando

I agree with all this. In addition, there really hasn't been any indication that they intend for the Adventurers Club in Hong Kong to be like the real AC. They've confirmed that there will be a restaurant by that name, and that it will likely use some of the decorations from the current club - but they haven't said that it will employ actors at all. My suspicion is that it will just end up being a highly themed restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe and the like) and nothing more.

Even though the cast was joking quite a bit on that final weekend about the stuff from the Club heading to Hong Kong, in reality none of them seem to know more than the rest of us do. Some of them are still hoping that eventually the Club will return to Orlando, but no one is holding their breath.

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Has Disney EVER righted a wrong in this way? (i.e. removed something of significance, and then brought it back?) Bringing it back exactly as it was would be admitting to a major mistake...that won't happen.

Sorry late to the thread, but just had to remind everyone of the farewell we all gave the Electric Light Parade in order to may way for Light Magic? Ok, this was in DL not WDW but still it is an instance where the Parade was "to close, never to be seen again" I still have the light bulbs that I bought as a rememberance (a donation to a children's charity). Light Magic was a failure and the Electrical Light Parade was brought back. Granted they did move it over to California Adventure, but it was brought back by popular demand in exactly the same format as before (they wouldn't dare change the music).

I'm going to cross my fingers that the rumor is true. I was at the ConGaloosh event on September 25, 2009 and it was great to get back into the club and see the performers and shows. If it were to move to AKL I'd be in line every night we visit FL.

Kungaloosh!!!

[seashoreCM]

They might need to schedule Adventure shows three ways at HKDL: English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Spanish or French, too, anyone?

Other shows and also the Jungle Cruise are tri-lingual, alternating boats for the latter.

[Jason71]

I think there is a bit of confusion - the OP is saying that it is going to the Animal Kingdom LODGE, not the park...but as I said it could be a corruption of the Jim Hill rumor as well.

Presumably the rumored "mini PI" would have been within walking distance of the Lodge, to capture that built-in audience. (The MK version was to be in the current TTC location, giving it monorail access to the 3 hotels, by way of comparison.)

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Presumably the rumored "mini PI" would have been within walking distance of the Lodge, to capture that built-in audience. (The MK version was to be in the current TTC location, giving it monorail access to the 3 hotels, by way of comparison.)

Jason, somehow I missed that rumor. You're saying that each theme park was to get their own "mini PI"? What were these places to consist of, clubs & restaurants?

Does make some sense. One of the reasons CityWalk is so successful is because you have to walk through it to get to the theme parks. The CityWalk food court has been jammed at 2am lately because that's when HHN lets out and everyone must pass by.

BobK/Orlando

[Jason71]

Jason, somehow I missed that rumor. You're saying that each theme park was to get their own "mini PI"? What were these places to consist of, clubs & restaurants?

Does make some sense. One of the reasons CityWalk is so successful is because you have to walk through it to get to the theme parks. The CityWalk food court has been jammed at 2am lately because that's when HHN lets out and everyone must pass by.

BobK/Orlando

Yeah, I first heard it in the final months of PI, then there was some brief discussion of it last Fall. If you search the archives here, or another "magic" board, you might find a thread or two on it, but the details were sparse. I assumed a combination of clubs and restaurants, sort of CityWalk-like in that they'd be near the parks, but as I recall, the only solid info was that the AC was being considered for the AK one, and that the MK one would be at the TTC (possibly tied to a a new parking garage being built). I always kind of thought that the Night Kingdom rumors probably were connected somehow--it would have given corporate clients something to do after they got done with the tour--but that's just speculation on my part.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I could see the AC at AKL and maybe something else over with the magic kingdom hotels. The other location might be Coronado Springs with a more tropical feel to the AC. I don't really see it in BW.